Balinese Worlds

In Balinese Worlds, Fredrik Barth proposes a new model for anthropological analysis of complex civilizations that is based on a fresh, synthetic account of culture and society in North Bali and one that takes full notice of individual creativity in shaping the contours of this dynamic culture.

In this detailed ethnography of the Northern district of Buleleng, Barth rejects mainstream anthropological generalizations of Bali as a cultural system of carefully articulated parts. Instead—drawing on many sources, including the sociology of knowledge, interactional analysis, postmodern thought, and his own exceptionally varied field experience—Barth presents a new model that actually generates variation. Barth’s innovative analysis of Balinese life highlights both the constructive and the disorganizing effects of individual action, the constant flux of interpretation, and the powerful interaction of memory and social relationships, and knowledge as a cultural resource.

Balinese Worlds is a unique contribution not only to Balinese studies but also to the theory and methods of the anthropology of complex societies.

Acknowledgments Part One - The Challenge of North Bali Preamble 1. A Luminous Mosaic Part Two - Features of Social Organization in North Balinese Communities 2. Prabakula: A Bali-Hindu Village 3. Pagatepan: A Muslim Balinese Village 4. Irrigation Associations and the Organization of Production 5. Further Variations in Village Organization 6. The Problem of Variation Part Three - Realities and Practical Concerns of Village Living 7. Leadership, Faction, and Violence in Pagatepan 8. Family, Marriage, and Making a Living in Pagatepan 9. Factionalism in Prabakula 10. A General Framework for Analyzing the Meaning of Acts Part Four - Major Traditions of Knowledge 11. Islam in North Bali 12. Bali-Hinduism as a Tradition of Knowledge 13. Kings, Courts, Castes, and the Bali Aga 14. The Modern Sector 15. A Sorcery View of Social Relations Part Five - Action, Interpretation, and Practice 16. The Romance of Panji and Asiah 17. So Many Concerns 18. Coherence, Hegemony, and Productivity in Knowledge 19. Love, Freedom, and the Multivalency of Public Symbols Part Six - The Complexity of Civilization 20. A Surfeit of Culture References Index

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